By Region and Season
Due to global warming, the climate has become increasingly unpredictable. Therefore, the descriptions in this chapter are for reference only. They reflect what the typical weather used to be like, although conditions now vary much more drastically. In general, it’s becoming harder to experience distinct spring or autumn weather.
Northern Taiwan
Northern Taiwan experiences the most pronounced seasonal variation on the island. The defining characteristic here is the extended period of grey, drizzly weather during the northeast monsoon season.
Winter (December-March): This is the wet season for the north. The northeast monsoon brings persistent cloud cover and frequent light rain: not dramatic downpours, but rather the sort of penetrating drizzle that requires an umbrella daily. Temperatures typically range from 12°C to 20°C, though cold snaps can occasionally push temperatures below 10°C. The humidity combines with relatively modest temperatures to create conditions that feel considerably colder than the thermometer suggests, as most buildings lack central heating. This is when you’ll see Taiwanese people bundled in substantial winter coats, a sight that might seem unusual to visitors from genuinely cold climates but makes perfect sense in the damp conditions.
Spring (April-May): The transition period brings uncertainty. The weather begins to warm, with temperatures climbing into the low-to-mid 20s°C, but rain remains frequent. The plum rains typically arrive in May, bringing heavy rainfall that can persist for days. Humidity rises noticeably during this period.
Summer (June-September): Hot and humid, with temperatures regularly exceeding 32°C and feeling hotter due to humidity often above 80%. Afternoon thunderstorms are common: intense, brief downpours that arrive with little warning, drench everything, then pass. Typhoons are possible from July through September. Despite the heat, this is when the north sees its clearest skies and most sunshine.
Autumn (October-November): Many consider this the finest weather in northern Taiwan. Temperatures moderate to a comfortable 20°C–28°C, humidity decreases, and rainfall diminishes. Clear, pleasant days predominate, though the northeast monsoon begins to reassert itself by November.
Central Taiwan
Winter (December-March): Significantly drier than the north, as the Central Mountain Range blocks much of the northeast monsoon moisture. Temperatures are similar to the north (12°C-22°C) but with far more sunshine. Clear days are common, making this an excellent time for outdoor activities in the region.
Spring (April-May): The plum rain season affects central Taiwan but generally less intensely than the north. Temperatures rise into the mid-20s°C.
Summer (June-September): Hot and often the wettest period of the year for central Taiwan. Unlike the north, where the northeast monsoon brings winter rain, central Taiwan receives most of its precipitation during summer, primarily from afternoon thunderstorms and typhoons. Temperatures regularly exceed 33°C.
Autumn (October-November): Similar to the north: pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and reduced rainfall. Arguably the best time to visit this region.
Southern Taiwan
Southern Taiwan experiences a genuinely tropical climate with limited seasonal temperature variation but marked differences in rainfall patterns.
Winter (December-March): Warm and notably dry. Whilst the north shivers under grey skies, the south enjoys temperatures of 18°C-26°C with abundant sunshine. This is the dry season, and rainfall is minimal. The psychological difference between north and south during winter months is substantial: southerners often find Taipei’s winter weather borderline depressing.
Spring (April-May): Temperatures climb towards 30°C. The plum rain season has less impact here than further north, though occasional rain occurs.
Summer (June-September): Intensely hot, with temperatures frequently exceeding 33°C and regularly reaching 35°C–36°C. The humidity makes conditions genuinely oppressive during midday hours. Summer is actually the wet season for the south, with most annual rainfall arriving through afternoon thunderstorms and typhoons. The southwest monsoon contributes moisture during this period.
Autumn (October-November): Temperatures remain warm (24°C-30°C) but become more tolerable as humidity decreases. Rainfall diminishes, though occasional heavy rain is possible.
Eastern Taiwan
Year-round pattern: The east receives moisture from both the northeast monsoon (winter) and typhoons (summer). Annual rainfall often exceeds 2,000mm and can surpass 3,000mm in some areas. Temperatures are similar to the south (slightly cooler in winter), but the consistent moisture creates a distinctly different feel.
Mountain Regions
Taiwan’s mountains create their own climate rules. Temperature decreases approximately 6°C for every 1,000 metres of elevation gain.
High mountains (above 3,000m): These areas experience temperate to alpine conditions. Winter brings snow to the highest peaks, with temperatures regularly below freezing from December through February. Even in summer, temperatures at 3,000 metres typically remain below 15°C, and conditions can change rapidly. Fog and sudden weather shifts are common year-round.
Mid-elevation mountains (1,000m-3,000m): These regions experience pleasant, mild conditions year-round, which is why many mountain resorts and tea-growing areas exist at these elevations. Temperatures are typically 10°C–15°C cooler than the adjacent lowlands. The northeast monsoon brings persistent fog and drizzle to mountains in northern Taiwan during winter, whilst southern mountains remain relatively clear.